JRA promises action on 18th Avenue’s persistent drainage woes
Johannesburg Roads Agency has promised to unblock stormwater drains on 18th Avenue near Bovet Primary School in the next two weeks, but persistent illegal dumping and wastewater discharge in the area could prevent them from starting with road repairs.
Residents of Alexandra’s 18th Avenue, near Bovet Primary School, may finally see progress in resolving long‑standing drainage and flooding problems. The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has committed to unblocking stormwater drains in the next two weeks, following months of frustration over clogged infrastructure and deteriorating road conditions.
According to Khayalethu Gqibitole, JRA’s head of department for regional operations, the agency is aware of the recurring blockages and has already conducted inspections. He said the stormwater line was unblocked last year, but illegal dumping and the continuous discharge of wastewater into the system have caused repeated failures.
Read more: More flooded roads in Alexandra leads to JRA clearing blocked storm water drains
Alex News reached out to the ward councillor on March 19 and to the JRA on March 20, after residents complained about months of neglect of the battered street.
Gqibitole later confirmed that an on-site inspection was conducted on March 24. JRA subsequently committed to a clear timeline, noting that work will begin in early April. “We have committed to ensuring that the stormwater line is being attended to in the next two weeks, in the week of April 7-10.
“Maintenance is ongoing, and stormwater infrastructure in Ward 76 is being attended to every week to manage and mitigate these issues,” Gqibitole explained.
Ward 76 Councillor Zandile Mothupi previously highlighted the challenge of limited resources, noting that only one jet truck is available to service multiple wards. Despite this constraint, JRA has insisted that reported blockages in the area will be addressed in the coming weeks.
Also read: Alexandra’s London Road features on JRA’s city-wide resurfacing programme
However, JRA cautioned that the situation is complicated by illegal wastewater discharge from nearby homes.
During the March 24 inspection, the agency observed PVC pipes channelling water from kitchens and bathrooms directly onto the road. This practice, according to Gqibitole, will make it highly impossible for the road to dry up and will hinder rehabilitation efforts.
The councillor has been notified of these issues, which remain a major obstacle to repairing the road surface.
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